Movie Reviews: 'The Dry' And 'Dream Horse'

This weekend, a crime mystery thriller and a crowd-pleasing movie come to life on the big screen and streaming services.

In "The Dry," Eric Bana stars as a revenant who returns to his hometown after a long absence of over two decades for the funeral of his close childhood friend. What unfolds is a whodunnit mystery surrounding his death.

If you're looking for a family feel-good film, you can check out "Dream Horse," starring Toni Collette as a middle-aged woman who suddenly dreams of becoming a racehorse breeder.

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Here's what to see/stream and what to skip this weekend:

“The Dry” — Eric Bana, Genevieve O'Reilly; directed by Robert Connolly

A film adaptation of Jane Harper’s 2016 bestseller, Robert Connolly’s thriller drama unravels a crime mystery, leaving a small Australian town rocked to its core.

Eric Bana stars as federal agent Aaron Falk, who returns to his drought-stricken hometown of Kiewarra after a lengthy absence of over two decades. And, unfortunately for the revenant, it would not be a homecoming filled with wistful stories, as he attends the funeral of childhood friend Luke (Martin Dingle Wall), who is presumed to have murdered his wife and young son before taking his own life. In the aftermath, only the infant daughter was spared.

However, Luke’s parents believe otherwise, prompting them to implore Aaron to investigate the murder case. Aaron begrudgingly complies with their request — and rightfully so. Why? Apparently, there is an assumption that town’s prodigal son killed his high school crush some 20 years ago.

Frequently, the movie flashes back to Kiewarra’s picturesque old days during Aaron’s teenage years, offering some clues to the puzzle as well as bridging the gap between past and present.

In the end, Aaron’s attempt to solve the mystery rubs salt in Kiewarra’s old wounds, revealing long-buried secrets in the process.

See it. Connolly’s slow-burning crime thriller ratchets up the suspense in an even, spellbinding pace, bristling with Bana’s outstanding authenticity and his unforgettable stoicism.

Watch the trailer:

“Dream Horse” — Toni Collette, Damian Lewis; directed by Euros Lyn

Dreams can come true, indeed! That is the message of Euros Lyn’s true-to-life comedy drama about a next-to-impossible feat.

In the film, Toni Collette plays Jan Vokes, a Wales resident who spends her life in doldrums, working as a grocery clerk during the day and as a bartender by night. Meanwhile, her husband, Brian (Owen Teale), remains unemployed and tends to their dog’s needs.

One day, suddenly, Jan conjures up a farfetched idea after overhearing a local tax accountant’s funny story about nags. How about breeding a racehorse? Well, Jan might not be an ultra-rich, but the middle-aged woman has already mapped out a plan to become a derby horse breeder.

To pursue her soul-enriching dream, she will have to purchase a brood mare, then send her to a thoroughbred stud for breeding. Long story short, when the foal is born, she will hire an expert trainer to prep the horse to win races — even the toughest of the toughest.

But how about the financial burden? Well, Jan just needs to convince a group of her fellow villagers to invest £10 every week.

Will Jan achieve her “impossible” dream?

See it. “Dream Horse” gushes with unbridled excitement and irresistible charm. Plus, Collette’s enthusiasm is infectious.

Watch the trailer: